oxytocin

[ ok-si-toh-suhn ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a polypeptide hormone, produced by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, that stimulates contraction of the smooth muscle of the uterus.
2. Pharmacology. a commercial form of this substance, obtained from beef and hog pituitary glands or especially by synthesis, and used chiefly in obstetrics to induce labor and to control postnatal hemorrhage.

oxytocin

/ ˌɒksɪˈtəʊsɪn /

noun

1. See vasopressin
   a polypeptide hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland, that stimulates contractions of the uterus or oviduct and ejection of milk in mammals; alphahypophame: used therapeutically for aiding childbirth. Formula: C 43 H 68 N 12 O 12 S 2 Compare vasopressin

oxytocin

/ ŏk′sĭ-tō′sĭn /

1. A polypeptide hormone secreted by the posterior portion of the pituitary gland. Oxytocin stimulates the contraction of smooth muscle of the uterus during childbirth and facilitates ejection of milk from the mammary glands.

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxytocin¹

First recorded in 1925–30; oxytoc(ic) + -in ²

Example Sentences

People who sniff oxytocin before they play together are more in sync rhythmically.

From Nautilus

When you’re moved by music, we see levels of the attachment-hormone oxytocin increase.

From Nautilus

The two pregnancy-related hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, are responsible for milk production.

From Nautilus

Prolactin induces the luminal cells to make milk while oxytocin makes the myoepithelial cells contract.

From Nautilus

When you lock eyes with a dog or when you touch a dog, there are studies looking at the fact that your oxytocin levels go up.

From Freakonomics

When fathers hold and play with their children, oxytocin and prolactin kick in, priming them for bonding.

From The Daily Beast

Such effects can be traced, at least in part, to the way neglect affects signaling neurochemicals, like the hormone oxytocin.

From The Daily Beast

I think the most surprising thing to me was the oxytocin story.

From The Daily Beast

And the people with higher levels of oxytocin were more generous in the amounts they chose to return to the original investor.

From The Daily Beast